The Philadelphia Phillies regularly have one of baseball's highest payrolls, something owner John Middleton doesn't regret at all.

Middleton surely has a desire to win, but he also recognizes an essential truth about team ownership.

"It's remarkable how special this city is as a fan base. It's why I keep telling everybody, it may be a privately-held business that we own, but it's not a private organization," the owner told The Athletic.

"It's a very public organization. It's a stewardship. We have an obligation. We are accountable to the fans and to the city. If you don't approach it that way, you shouldn't be an owner, in my opinion."